A five-week foundation program for puppies and adolescent dogs aged 12-24 weeks — building confidence, social skills, and the habits that last a lifetime.
The Best Investment You’ll Make in Your Dog’s Future
The weeks and months right after you bring a puppy home are the most important window in their development. The habits, social skills, and confidence your dog builds now — or doesn’t build — will shape how they behave for the rest of their life. This is the time to get it right.
Our Puppy & Adolescent class in Carlsbad is designed specifically for this window. It’s not just about teaching your puppy to sit — it’s about helping them become a dog who is calm, confident, and genuinely connected to you. And just as importantly, it gives you the knowledge and tools to keep that progress going at home.
What Your Puppy Will Learn
Over five weeks, we work through the foundational skills every dog needs — taught at the pace puppies learn best.
This class goes beyond commands. Confidence building and proper socialization are woven into every session, giving your puppy positive early experiences with other dogs, new people, and unfamiliar environments — the kind of exposure that prevents fear and anxiety later in life.
What You’ll Learn as an Owner
A well-trained puppy starts with a well-informed owner. This class includes dedicated question and answer time every week, so you get real answers to what’s actually happening with your dog — not generic advice. You’ll leave each session knowing exactly what to practice at home and why it works.
Homework videos are included so you can revisit Laura’s instruction between sessions and stay consistent with your training.
AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. Certification
Every puppy who completes the course has the opportunity to earn the AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. (socialization, training, activity, responsibility) award. — the American Kennel Club’s official recognition for puppies who demonstrate socialization, training, activity, and responsible ownership. It’s a meaningful milestone and a wonderful foundation for dogs who may go on to earn their Canine Good Citizen certification down the road. Laura is an AKC-certified evaluator, authorized to administer the official AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. test in class.
Why Train Your Puppy With Laura Christiansen?
Laura has been training dogs in Carlsbad and across North County San Diego since 1992. She was named National Trainer of the Year at the 61st Annual Show Dogs of the Year — selected from thousands of nominees nationwide. When you enroll your puppy in this class, you’re giving them the best possible start with one of the most experienced trainers in Southern California.
Classes are kept to a maximum of seven dogs, so every puppy — and every owner — gets genuine personal attention. This isn’t a large group where your dog gets lost in the crowd. It’s a focused, small-group environment where real learning happens.
Class Details & Pricing
Puppy & Adolescent — 5-Week Course
- Who it’s for: Puppies and adolescent dogs ages 12 to 24 weeks
- Format: Five consecutive weekly sessions, one hour each session
- Class size: Maximum 7 dogs
- Includes: Homework videos and AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. test at end of course
- Investment: $375
All puppies must be healthy and up to date on parvo and distemper vaccines. Proof of vaccination is required at the first session.
This course is non-refundable. No make-ups or transfers available.
Ready to Get Started?
Spots in our puppy classes fill quickly — especially in spring and summer. If you have a new puppy at home, the best time to start is now.
What Comes After Puppy Class?
Completing the Puppy & Adolescent class is the beginning, not the finish line. Once your dog has a solid foundation, there are several great directions to go next depending on your goals:
Obedience Classes
Pulling on leash, ignoring commands, checking out in public — sound familiar? Our obedience classes will get your dog reliably listening, on leash and off.
Canine Good Citizen
The gold standard in dog manners. Earn your dog’s official AKC CGC certification and prove to the world what a great team you’ve become.
